Being A Good Friend Does Not Equal Being A Doormat | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Friendships

Being A Good Friend Does Not Mean Being A Doormat

Good people and good friends aren't where you should wipe your dirty feet.

144
mug with coffee

Just to begin, I was raised a bit differently than most people I know. I was raised up with certain moral codes and under strict behavioral standards. Naturally, more than just laws of civility and the decencies of humanity. However, if I have learned anything from being raised the way I was, it enlightened me on the fact that people often take advantage of good friends and good people if you allow them too. But, being a good person doesn't depend on where you come from or how you were raised. It depends on how you choose to respond to and treat those around you despite personal circumstances.

A good person ≠ their circumstances

Helping people is what I love to do. I hope to never fail a friend or family member in need. No matter what, I want to be of assistance to those around me. In doing so, I've noticed that those who always make themselves available to help others rarely come in contact with those who help them. This is not always the case, some are blessed enough to have outstanding support systems. Still, this does not change the fact that often if you prove yourself dependable, you become a crutch. If you are a good listener when things go awry, you become a personal therapist. Being helpful turns into caretaking. Through all this, those in our lives that are truly good people and friends continue to be and do so without expecting reciprocity.

A good person ≠ a catch-all for others' problems

Be warned though, those who take on more for other people than they are able to carry do have a breaking point. Most often, the breaking of a good person is something tragic to partake in or see.

A good person ≠ unbreakable

On a related note, just because a person is morally aligned or holds themselves to certain standards does nor deem them boring or any less interesting of a person. Every right an individual has to lead the lifestyle of their choosing is the same right those with strict living standards imposed on themselves have to lead that life.

Moral ≠ boring

This is not an intervention to call out everyone who has maybe or maybe not been responsible for these misunderstandings. This simply stands to draw attention to those we inadvertently take advantage of. These are our really good friends that stick with us through thick and thin despite what they receive from us in return. These are our go to's for advice and sound boarding despite if we offer it in return. These are our good friends that push down their hurts, offenses, and feelings in an attempt to avoid causing that for anyone else. These are our friends that let everyone forget about them until they're needed and still stand by us. Good friends deserve more than they get. Good friends are not our doormats that we wipe our problems and shortcomings on.

Good friends ≠ doormats

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2664
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2258
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments